Tribe options Chisenhall, LaPorta to Clippers

The Cleveland Indians optioned third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and first baseman Matt LaPorta to
the Columbus Clippers today. The Tribe also assigned outfielder Chad Huffman to its
minor-league camp.

Chisenhall, the organization's top prospect in 2011, lost the opening day battle to start at
third to Jack Hannahan. Cleveland manager Manny Acta is on record saying that he wants Chisenhall
to play every day to polish his defense and to improve his plate discipline. That is going to
happen, at least at the start of the season, in Columbus.

LaPorta lost his grip on the first base job for the Tribe last season. The team signed
free-agent Casey Kotchman to play first. Kotchman and Hannahan are both seen as defensive upgrades
over Chisenhall and LaPorta.

I've heard that LaPorta will play first base and left field for Columbus. He also will DH. Beau
Mills will share first and the DH spot with him. If Russ Canzler comes to Columbus, he and LaPorta
will split time between first base, left field and the DH slot.. Canzler is the reigning
International League most valuable player.

Huffman spent last season with the Clippers. He can play both corner outfield positions and
first base.